Living a Life of Missions

Growing up Wild is a 15 episode DVD series about the 4 Wild brothers and their experiences on the mission field in Papua, Indonesia.  We received volumes 1 and 4 of this DVD series for purpose of review and have been thoroughly impressed. 

     The Wild family has made these videos themselves, with the purpose in mind of encouraging and spurring on Christians to think more outwardly and become more mission minded Christ-followers.  Each DVD contains three episodes and a companion c.d. with extension activities.  The episodes are approximately fifteen minutes in length.  The suggested age range for these videos and activities is ages 8-12, but, they are interesting enough and engaging enough to be enjoyed by older children and adults.  I wouldn’t recommend them for younger children without parents viewing first because some of the episodes depict things (such as a nose-piercing with a stick) that might be disturbing to a younger child.  My boys are all older than the age range but they were completely intrigued by Growing up Wild.  The episodes are exciting at times, gross at times, active at times --- they depict true boys!  All along through the videos, the narrator (mom) reminds viewers of God’s purpose for His followers to share His love with others.  We got to see first hand the adventure and difficulty of being missionaries in a third world country.  Struggles such as finding and gathering food, gathering supplies, home construction, and learning about tribal customs are just some of the topics covered.  The accompanying c.d.’s for each DVD contain suggestions for extension activities.  Some of these activities include visiting a nursing home, building a Wano home model, and reading and sharing various scripture verses. 

     We have enjoyed each of these videos.  I think volume 4 was my boys favorite because in episode 2 on this volume they got to see the Wild boys get their noses pierced with a stick.  You know how boys are with gross stuff – they love it!  For me and my daughter, volume 1 was the most interesting because it showed more activities surrounding the settling in and everyday living of the missionaries.  We will be having an emphasis on international missions at our church in the coming weeks and I am going to donate the videos to our children’s minister to use with the children.  Growing up Wild is an encouragement to each of us to get out of our comfort zones and carry out the Great Commission.

     Growing up Wild DVD’s retail for $18.99 each plus shipping/tax.  A complete 5-DVD set is available for $80.99 (a 15% savings).  These videos are incredibly high quality and would be a huge asset to any homeschool setting, co-op setting, or church group setting.  They would be a great complement to a mission study. 

     Many of my friends on the Schoolhouse Review Crew have also been able to view the Growing up Wild DVD’s. To read their reviews, visit the main crew blog page.

**Disclaimer:  As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received Volumes 1 and 4 of Growing up Wild at no cost to me.  The honest opinions expressed are my own.  No compensation was received.**